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Early learning classes help children build skills

Children with special needs and those who are developing typically play and learn together at classes provided through United Cerebral Palsy of South Central Pennsylvania.

By BRANDIE KESSLER Daily Record/Sunday News

Updated:
02/20/2013 09:14:07 PM EST

Jeanne Dyer, left, gives Hayden Christenberry, 3, a high-five during class. It was unusual for the three boys to be sitting at a table playing together so Dyer was encouraging the behavior. (YORK DAILY RECORD/SUNDAY NEWS - PAUL KUEHNEL)

Kelly Steeper's 2-year-old son, Liam, is smart, and he engages with the world around him.

"He can spell so many things," she said. "Kangaroo," for example.

But Liam can't say the letters.

"He's non-verbal," Steeper said.

So Liam finds other ways to communicate.

His family has helped by learning sign language and working to understand what he's trying to say. Liam also gets help at the Apple Tree Child Development Group.

The group is provided through United Cerebral Palsy of South Central Pennsylvania. It's for children age 20 months to 3 years old, and they meet at York Barbell every week.

The children play and participate in some directed activities, like making crafts, during the two hours they spend together each week.

Although Liam says things differently than many children his own age, he fits in with the group where most of his peers have some sort of a delay, his mother explained. "Just the fact that (the teachers) understand that" is helpful, she said.

Jeanne Dyer, of Red Lion, teaches the classes along with Sharon Krout, of Dallastown.

"We're experienced with a wide range of challenges," Dyer said. Many of the children who come to the group through United Cerebral Palsy's Early Intervention Program have a developmental delay or a special need. She said she's had a child in class before who used a wheelchair, so children with special medical needs are also accepted. The classes allow families to discover the potential of their children.

"Children that have special challenges or needs, sometimes they'll only function in that safe environment," Dyer said. "In our world, that's not the way it's going to happen. When they come here, we can walk them gently down that path."

However, Dyer said, children don't need to have a delay to join the group.

"We like to have typically developing children because it gives (children with some type of delay) good models," Dyer said, adding that the group provides good learning opportunities for all children.

"We look at what children need and start addressing it at 2 years old instead of in kindergarten," she said. "We're constantly monitoring and facilitating language and socialization skills.

Krout said often parents need reassurance their children will be OK going to the class, and sometimes they have to ease into it, only staying for part of the time.

Steeper, Liam's mom, said her family is happy that he is getting the experience of interacting with other children in his class.

"I feel like there's so much in him, and it's just trying to help him get it out," she said. "It helps him get out of his comfort zone."

What is the Apple Tree Childhood Development Group?

The Apple Tree Child Development Group, operated through United Cerebral Palsy of South Central Pennsylvania with funding from the United Way, has hosted young children's classes for more than 12 years, said Jeanne Dyer, special instructor for early intervention.

The classes have been held at several locations throughout York County, most recently at York Barbell.

Classes for children ages 20 months to 3 years are held Mondays and Wednesdays, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., year-round. There are open spots in the Monday classes.

Pre-school classes meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. both days, September through May. There are open spots.

Classes are usually between six and eight children.

Dyer said the Tuesday/Thursday program (child goes twice a week) costs $90 per month, and the Monday/Wednesday classes (child goes once a week) cost $40 per month. To learn more, call Dyer at 767-6300, Ext. 1112.